FICCI FLO Mumbai hosted an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Is This the New Renaissance? Art and AI” at Designera Gallery, Mumbai. The event brought together artists, curators, collectors, educators, and creative professionals to explore one of the most compelling questions of our time: How is AI reshaping the meaning of art, creativity, and human expression?
The conversation was marked by exceptional audience engagement. Members actively participated throughout the session, responding to provocative questions such as whether they would display AI-generated art in their homes, pay a significant price for it, or consider a child using AI as an artist. These questions transformed the discussion from a theoretical debate into a deeply personal reflection on value, originality, and emotional connection. The following panelists participated in the discussion:
- Moderator: Angira Arya – India’s leading auctioneer
- Panelist: Kisalay Vora – Multidisciplinary Artist
- Panelist: Vinita Bimbhet – Art Collector and FICCI FLO Mumbai Past Chairperson
- Panelist: Shubha Maudgal – Curator and FICCI FLO Mumbai Past Chairperson
- Panelist: Niyatee Shinde – Art Consultant and Photo-Historian
- Panelist: Siddarth Somaiya – Educationist and Art Collector
One of the most fascinating themes that emerged was the distinction between information and wisdom. The Panellist observed that while AI can process vast amounts of artistic knowledge in seconds, true expertise lies in interpretation, context, intuition, and lived experience. This perspective resonated strongly with the audience, especially during discussions on the role of historians, curators, and educators in an AI-driven future.
The dialogue around authenticity generated particularly rich exchanges. As machine-generated images become increasingly sophisticated, many panelists suggested that handmade work, imperfections, and human stories may become even more valuable. The idea that human creativity could become the new luxury sparked considerable interest and debate among attendees.
Equally compelling was the discussion on the next generation. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, several speakers described it as a powerful creative tool, much like photography or cinema once were. The consensus was not that artists will disappear, but that they will evolve.
The event ultimately deepened the audience’s understanding of art in the age of AI. It highlighted that while technology can generate images, music, and text, the qualities that remain uniquely human—empathy, imagination, intuition, storytelling, and emotional depth—continue to give art its enduring meaning and value.